What's impactful for me about this post isn't so much the meetings with powerful politicians but your commitment to telling your neighbors story and seeing it through to the end. It takes a big heart to take on someone else's troubles. Thanks for writing this.
My experience in Colorado with most Republican reps and senators was that they’d listen intently, then go on their merry “no” way when it came time for a vote that mattered. But please keep trying. It does help. We eventually turned our state blue…that’s when things changed. And then the Democrats added too much bureaucracy! Sigh. But every story matters. “Frameworks” also has some good tips on messaging around core social issues.
Kudos to you for trying! I think we should expect our representatives to tell us where they stand on funding the policies for which we are lobbying. Too often, we come away as you did, wondering. Being polite and non-committal is apparently how one gets re-elected in a State where the majority wants to shrink government....
I'm glad to read this, Dianne! I had the privilege of lobbying with so many other really passionate people with equally moving personal stories. They help keep me motivated!
What's impactful for me about this post isn't so much the meetings with powerful politicians but your commitment to telling your neighbors story and seeing it through to the end. It takes a big heart to take on someone else's troubles. Thanks for writing this.
Thank you, Susan. While I hate politics, it is heartening to see so many passionate everyday people working to make a difference!
My experience in Colorado with most Republican reps and senators was that they’d listen intently, then go on their merry “no” way when it came time for a vote that mattered. But please keep trying. It does help. We eventually turned our state blue…that’s when things changed. And then the Democrats added too much bureaucracy! Sigh. But every story matters. “Frameworks” also has some good tips on messaging around core social issues.
I'm braced for exactly what you describe, listening but then business as usual. Thank you for the Frameworks resource!
Kudos to you for trying! I think we should expect our representatives to tell us where they stand on funding the policies for which we are lobbying. Too often, we come away as you did, wondering. Being polite and non-committal is apparently how one gets re-elected in a State where the majority wants to shrink government....
Polite but non-committal is definitely a frequent experience...
Sometimes I feel like I'm one more constituent added to a daily quota and filed for eternity.
Ooof I've felt that, too!
Thank you. This gives me hope. And inspiration.
I'm glad to read this, Dianne! I had the privilege of lobbying with so many other really passionate people with equally moving personal stories. They help keep me motivated!